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Use VirusBarrier X6 to Find Internet Traffic Paths

Need to find out who owns a domain name, or where your traffic is being routed? VirusBarrier X6 has a number of network monitoring tools, including a built-in Whois search tool, and a Traceroute feature. If you use the latter, you can even display a map after the traceroute has completed, showing exactly where in the world data passes between your Mac and a selected IP address.

We can finally take a bit of a breather from Apple announcements and focus on other topics. Jeff Carlson anchors this week’s issue with a review of the new Photoshop Elements 9, Rich Mogull shares the depressing news that the new Firesheep tool makes sidejacking trivially easy, and Michael E. Cohen looks at the new MobileMe Calendar and whether or not you should upgrade (also be sure to see Joe Kissell’s just-released “Take Control of MobileMe, Second Edition” for complete usage instructions!). Also this week, Matt Neuburg regrets his move to Outlook 2011 and explains how to switch back to Apple Mail, and Michael covers the new features in BBEdit 9.6. Plus, you can win a copy of Smile’s $99.95 PDFpenPro in this week’s DealBITS drawing! Notable software releases this week include iPhoto ’11 9.0.1 (which fixes the library import bug), Camino 2.0.5, Postbox 2.0.2, and Things 1.4.3.

It’s official—the next big cat will be Mac OS X Lion, due in the middle of 2011. Adam describes how Apple is updating Mac OS X with lessons learned from iOS, which may or may not be to your liking. Other big news from Apple’s media event last week include the release of iLife ’11, new models of the MacBook Air (the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro models also received a speed bump, but didn’t warrant mention at Apple’s event), and a beta release of FaceTime for the Mac. Along with full coverage of those events, Jeff Carlson and Michael report on Apple’s record-setting Q4 financials, Jeff reveals how to restore the timeline to iMovie ’11, and Glenn Fleishman looks at Yojimbo 3.0 and its associated iPad app. Notable software releases this week include Cyberduck 3.7, Firefox 3.6.11, Aperture 3.1 and ProKit Update 6.0, and Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3 and 10.5 Update 8.

We have three bits of interesting news this week: an Apple exchange program for certain Mac Pro video cards, the announcement that Verizon Wireless will be selling the iPad bundled with the MiFi mobile broadband Wi-Fi hotspot, and the release of the Incognito extension to Safari to let you surf the Web a bit more anonymously. But our main feature this week is an in-depth look from Michael E. Cohen and Adam Engst at how to create an iTunes media server that would enable a family to share the same set of media files. Finally, be sure to visit our Web site to read about Apple's latest financial results, which came out too late to be included in this week's issue. Notable software releases this week include MacGourmet 3.0.1, LaunchBar 5.0.3, Postbox 2.0.1, Microsoft Office 2008 12.2.7/Office 2004 11.6.1, Logic Pro/Express 9.1.2, FotoMagico 3.6, Dragon Dictate 2.0.1, SpamSieve 2.8.4, MacBook/MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.4, and PDFpen/PDFpenPro 5.0.2.

As we start to wrap our heads around what's new in Microsoft Office 2011, Matt Neuburg is the first to weigh in, with a look at Outlook 2011 from the perspective of an Entourage user who doesn't rely on an Exchange server. Also this week, Michael E. Cohen helps out with news coverage of the DroboPro FS storage device and two iPad apps that add PDF annotation capabilities. Michael also looks deeply at what Apple meant with its recent email announcing the end of .Mac HomePage-created Web pages. Finally, Glenn Fleishman offers a solution to unwanted App Store and In-App purchases. Notable software releases this week include Adobe Acrobat/Reader 9.4 and 8.2.5, TweetDeck 0.35.3, MenuMeters 1.4, and Growl 1.2.1.

What's an appropriate age to introduce a kid to social media services? Andy Affleck ponders the question as his 10-year-old pesters him for a Facebook account. Also this week, Adam explores the dark underside of URL shortening services - though they may offer attractive features like click counting, they simply can't be trusted with any link that's critical to your business. For iPhone and iPod touch users, we have a pair of new ebooks: "Take Control of iPhone Basics, iOS 4 Edition" for those new to the iPhone and "Take Control of Mail on the iPhone and iPod touch, iOS 4 Edition" for anyone trying to create a coherent mobile email strategy. Finally, along with notable software releases like Premiere Elements 9.0, Photoshop Elements 9.0, GraphicConverter 7.0, Eudora OSE 1.0, Postbox 2, and Thunderbird 3.1.4, we have a more-detailed look at StuffIt Deluxe 2011, the latest version of the longstanding compression and archiving program.

We weren't expecting it, but between a surprise release of iTunes 10.0.1 very late last week and Kirk McElhearn's editorial about whether iTunes deserves to be called bloated, iTunes looms large in this issue. In other news, version 1.3 of the Dropbox iOS app adds some useful features for Glenn Fleishman, and Adam looks in depth at AppTamer, a new utility from St. Clair Software that promises to improve overall performance, quiet laptop fans, and improve battery life, all by stopping applications from executing unnecessarily in the background. Finally, if you're a PDFpen user, or are looking for help with PDF manipulation software, check out our latest ebook, Michael E. Cohen's "Take Control of PDFpen 5." Notable software releases this week include NoMoreiTunes 1.51, Adobe Flash Player 10.1.85.3, DEVONthink and DEVONnote 2.0.4, Security Update 2010-006, TinkerTool 4.2, Mailplane 2.2, and Pro Applications Update 2010-02.

Practicality reigns in this issue, with an article from Sharon Zardetto about how to use Keyboard Viewer to access special characters and Matt Neuburg's review of Fake, a Web browser that can be used in an Automator-like fashion to automate actions on a Web page. Also, Adam examines EPUBReader, a Firefox add-on that makes it easy to take a quick look at an EPUB file, and Glenn Fleishman shares details about a pair of iPad apps that take RSS feed reading to a new graphical level. Finally, we have a new Take Control ebook for you: Kirk McElhearn's "Take Control of iTunes 10: The FAQ." Notable software releases this week include Dialectic 1.7, Transmit 4.1.1, MarsEdit 3.1, Savescreenie 2.0, and 1Password 3.4.1.

We're all about digital photography and iOS this week. Tonya Engst leads off with a look at iOS 4.1, what it provides, and how well it works; and Adam Engst examines Apple's loosening of iOS development restrictions and more-transparent App Store review guidelines. Guest writer Jeff Lynch explains how photographers can ensure that digital portfolios look their best on an iPad. Finally, Charles Maurer contributes a detailed editorial - okay, a detailed rant - about what's wrong with today's digital cameras (hint, it's not a lack of features). We're also pleased to welcome our latest sponsor, The Data Rescue Center, and announce a discount on Raskin for those who didn't win in last week's DealBITS drawing. Notable software releases this week include Carbon Copy Cloner 3.3.4, Firefox 3.6.9, PDFpen/PDFpenPro 5.0.1, Safari 5.0.2/4.1.2, iWeb 3.0.2, and Cyberduck 3.6.1.

Apple's media event last week provided most of the fodder for this week's issue, since Steve Jobs introduced a revised set of iPods (including a new iPod touch and a multi-touch iPod nano), previewed the upcoming iOS 4.1 and 4.2, pulled back the curtain on the second-generation Apple TV, and launched iTunes 10 with its integrated Ping social networking service. We have complete coverage, along with a DealBITS drawing for Raskin, an alternative computer interface based on the pioneering work of the late Jef Raskin. Notable software releases this week include Radioshift 1.6, Audio Hijack Pro 2.9.7, Fission 1.6.9, Things 1.4.1, BLT 1.0.4, Lightroom 3.2, SpamSieve 2.8.3, and Dreamweaver CS5 11.0.3.

No trends this week - just a lot of interesting news, starting off with Lex Friedman's coverage of the Netflix iPad app's newfound capability to stream Watch Instantly movies to the iPhone and iPod touch too. Glenn Fleishman looks at how you can now place calls using Google Voice in Gmail and how Virgin Mobile has upped the mobile broadband ante with an unlimited cellular data plan that works with the popular MiFi portable Wi-Fi gateway. Glenn also gives the blow-by-blow description of how we were forced to move all our Web services to a Rackspace Cloud Server last week. Then Adam examines the iWork 9.0.4 update, which isn't interesting other than the way it adds EPUB export to Pages, and Tonya runs through all the things you can try doing to speed up an iPhone 3G under iOS 4. Notable software releases this week include MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.9, Camino 2.0.4, Security Update 2010-005, GraphicConverter 6.7.4, and Freeway 5.5.

On the Mac side this week, Adam reviews the Matias Tactile Pro 3 keyboard and offers some old but little-known tips for finding files more easily in Mac OS X. We're also joined by Julio Ojeda-Zapata, who shares why he so enjoys recording TV to his Mac with EyeTV tuners from Elgato. Meanwhile, in iOS land, Glenn Fleishman covers the renaming of the Barnes & Noble eReader iOS app to Nook, and Adam explains why we had to leave iPad users out in the cold with our recent iOS 4-savvy update to the TidBITS News app. Notable software releases this week include Adobe Acrobat/Reader 9.3.4 and 8.2.4, Pear Note 2.0.1, TextExpander 3.1.1, Typinator 4.1, Interarchy 10.0.2, Snow Leopard Graphics Update, and Keyboard Maestro 4.3.2.

iOS security reigns in this issue, with Glenn Fleishman covering Apple's security-related iOS updates, describing how using encrypted iOS backups actually reduces security slightly, and explaining how to update a changed Wi-Fi network password in an iOS device. Beyond that, security editor Rich Mogull runs down the security challenges that Apple faces with iOS and the advantages that the company enjoys. For a change of pace, Lex Friedman looks at some essential Safari Extensions, we announce the release of Sharon Zardetto's authoritative "Take Control of Fonts in Snow Leopard" ebook, and Adam describes how we've moved some legacy services. Notable software releases this week include VMware Fusion 3.1.1, Things 1.3.5, and Office 2004/2008 Security Updates.

For those overwhelmed by the industry's focus on the iPhone and iPad, this week's issue should be a refreshing dose of Web- and Mac-oriented content. To start, iCal looms large, with Matt Neuburg making the switch from Remember? with the help of two geeky freeware tools, and Mark Anbinder covering another iCal-related utility, Today, which shows upcoming events in a floating window. Plus, Lex Friedman reviews the GadgetTrak 3 theft-recovery software, and we welcome as sponsors the Mac-focused Useful Fruit Software and Econ Technologies. On the Web side of things, Glenn Fleishman covers the shuttering of Google Wave and Adam examines Smith Micro's new SendStuffNow file-sharing service. Notable software releases this week include Pear Note 2.0, ScreenFlow 2.1.2, Interarchy 10.0.1, and Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 3.3.

The big news this week is Apple's release of new models of the iMac and Mac Pro, a new 27-inch Cinema Display, the new Magic Trackpad, and the new Apple Battery Charger. Jeff Carlson and Doug McLean run down the details of all of these new devices for you. Doug also covers Safari 5.0.1 and the new Safari Extension Gallery; Jeff explains how a bad battery in a Magic Trackpad is cause for... well, not much; and Glenn Fleishman examines how the latest DMCA exemption ruling from the Librarian of Congress renders iPhone jailbreaking legal (but not easy). Most notably, Joe Kissell contributes a detailed review and comparison of a pair of portable document scanners: the ScanSnap S1300 and the Doxie. Finally, don't forget that the Take Control 50-percent-off sale ends Tuesday! Notable software releases this week include Snapz Pro X 2.2.3, Retrospect 8.2, and BBEdit 9.5.1.

Our big news this week is a 50-percent-off Take Control ebook sale to celebrate the unveiling of the new Take Control account management system. In between dealing with technical issues related to that launch, we found time to examine the noteworthy releases of Skype 2.0.1 and iBooks 1.1.2 for iOS. Also this week, Glenn Fleishman wrote about Apple donating the MacPaint and QuickDraw source code to the Computer History Museum, Chris Pepper contributed a warning about how using a Bluetooth keyboard with an iOS device can have unexpected results, and a punchy Jeff Carlson turned Apple's record-setting Q3 2010 financial results into a quiz. The issue is anchored by a pair of articles by Matt Neuburg and Adam, looking first at how iOS handles document mapping and how this causes headaches for people trying to serve Internet-based files to iOS device users. Finally, don't miss the DealBITS discount on PDF Shrink! Other notable software releases this week include 1Password 3.3, Wiki Server Update 1.0, Firefox 3.6.8, and iTunes 9.2.1.

Apple's iPhone 4 antenna troubles dominated the news this week, and Jeff Carlson did yeoman's duty in covering both the iOS 4.0.1 update that fixes the iPhone's signal strength algorithm and Apple's press conference about the issue. Also, Rich Mogull delves into his past in the rescue and emergency services community to explain why the iPhone 4 antenna has two separate problems, one common to all mobile phones and the other unique to the iPhone. Changing gears, Adam warns about how the iOS caches iTunes account passwords, which could result in inadvertent purchases, and also relays news of the upcoming MacTech Conference for IT professionals and developers - register soon while there's still space! Lastly, we're giving away copies of Apago's PDF Shrink in DealBITS this week, so be sure to enter if you need to compress PDFs for more efficient transmission. Notable software releases this week include ChronoSync 4.1 and ChronoAgent 1.1, Panorama 6.0.0 build 92277, and AppleJack 1.6.

It was a thankfully slow summer week here, and this issue's articles revolve around a variety of electronic devices, anchored by Charles Maurer's illuminating discussion of how not to buy a digital camera. Glenn Fleishman compares the costs of Virgin Mobile's new contract-free MiFi with the approaches of Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel, and with AT&T's iPhone tethering and iPad plans. Doug McLean examines the results of a Princeton University study testing the usability of the Kindle in academia. And Adam reviews the iPad Recliner, an adjustable stand for the iPad. Notable software releases this week include BusyCal 1.3.2 and PDFpen/PDFpenPro 4.7.

If you want to understand why Apple used the words "totally wrong" in a statement, read on for Glenn Fleishman's examination of the whole iPhone 4 signal strength and antenna kerfuffle. Glenn also looks how Hulu Plus will bring subscription TV to the iOS, and both he and Adam contribute articles that ponder what friendship means in the online world. Adam goes on to cover the release of the new Kindle DX and how it will compete with the iPad, and he looks in depth at how members of a household can share titles purchased from the iBookstore. Finally, Matt Neuburg explains just how fast app switching in the iOS works and what it means in the context of multitasking. Notable software releases this week include HoudahSpot 3.0, Adobe Acrobat and Reader 9.3.3, WireTap Studio 1.1.1, and HP/Epson Printer Drivers 2.4.1/2.4 for Mac OS X 10.6.

The iPhone 4 and iOS 4 are now available! For our feature articles this week, Adam warns that email account hacking appears to be on the rise, and Adam and Glenn join forces to look deeply at iBooks 1.1. Adam also shares a video of an "inside look" at an iPhone 4, along with tips on how to delete lots of photos from an iPhone. Plus, Glenn explains how to transfer iPhone 4 eligibility within a family plan, looks at the new HTTPS Everywhere extension for Firefox, and covers the opening of Google Voice to U.S. residents. Also, Doug McLean rounds up the main iPhone 4 reviews and the most useful articles about iOS 4. Finally, check out the 20 percent DealBITS discount on SmileOnMyMac's TextExpander 3! Notable software releases this week include Firefox 3.6.6, Default Folder X 4.3.9, Things 1.3.4, and Mailplane 2.1.9.

Apple has been wildly busy this last week, releasing iOS 4, taking pre-orders for the iPhone 4, shipping iTunes 9.2, releasing a new Mac mini, pushing Mac OS X 10.6.4 out the door, significantly updating MobileMe Mail, and finally providing a Find My iPhone app. Thanks to various members of the staff, we have all the details on those events. Also this week, Matt Neuburg looks at the Witch 3.5 window-management utility, Jeff Carlson explains how to email files to Dropbox from an iPad, and Adam can't resist pointing to the ultimate retro keyboard. We're also starting a new DealBITS drawing for SmileOnMyMac's TextExpander 3, and for those who didn't win a Drobo in last week's drawing, we have some fabulous discounts. Notable software releases this week include Waveboard 1.1, DEVONthink and DEVONnote 2.0.3, Cocktail 4.7.5, PopChar X 5.0, Coda 1.6.11, and Security Update 2010-004 (Leopard and Leopard Server).

The big news that didn't surface during Steve Jobs's WWDC keynote last week was the release of Safari 5, and Adam takes a hard look at the Web browser's new features. For more from Steve Jobs, also read Doug McLean's summary of Jobs's unscripted discussion with Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher at the D8 conference shortly before WWDC. In other news, AT&T will allow eligibility transfers for iPhone 4 upgrades in family plans, Adobe has released an essential update to Flash Player, we've uncovered some details about the forthcoming iMovie for iPhone, and Retrospect has been acquired by Sonic Solutions. Also, be sure to enter this week's drawing for a Drobo, and if you didn't win in last week's drawing for Boinx's iStopMotion, you can save 20 percent on new orders. Notable software releases this week include PasswordWallet 4.5.3, MacSpeech Scribe 1.1, 1Password 3.2.1, Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac 12.2.5 Update, Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.5.9 Update, Cyberduck 3.5, and Photoshop Lightroom 3.0.

Today's WWDC keynote drew back the curtains on the much-anticipated iPhone 4, and Glenn Fleishman runs through the features so lovingly described by Steve Jobs. The rest of the keynote covered the new iOS 4 (formerly known as iPhone OS 4), a PDF-capable iBooks app, a new FaceTime video chatting app, and more - read on for the details! But plenty more has happened since our last issue, with a number of troubling security-related events that Rich Mogull and Adam explain, AT&T ending its unlimited data plans for iPhone and iPad users, Apple's market cap catching up with Microsoft's, and more. We're particularly pleased to announce four new Take Control ebooks about the iPad, one of which - Tonya's "Take Control of iPad Basics" - is completely free! Notable software releases in the last two weeks include Yojimbo 2.2, BusyCal 1.3, Camino 2.0.3, TweetDeck 0.34.2, Carbon Copy Cloner 3.3.2, VMware Fusion 3.1, Boot Camp Update for MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010).

Our focus this week is on the Mac and the Web, with Joe Kissell contributing an in-depth look at PGP Whole Disk Encryption 10.0 and Matt Neuburg reviewing the MacSpeech Scribe transcription program. Adam also runs down Apple's changes to the MacBook and Glenn Fleishman passes along news of Google's secure search beta and Adobe's HTML5 and CSS3 plug-in for Dreamweaver CS5. And just so you don't think we've gone totally off the iPad, Glenn covers the MaxRoam micro-SIM that provides not-very-cheap European data roaming for 3G iPads. Notable software releases this week include QuickTime Player 7.6.6 for Mac OS X 10.6.3, Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 2, Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 7, and Keyboard Maestro 4.3.1. Finally, we're taking next week's email issue off for Memorial Day - see you in June!

We have two feature articles for you this week: security expert Rich Mogull's extensive look at how to protect your privacy from Facebook, and guest contributor Robyn Weisman's discussions about iPhone apps with executives from some of the largest news and entertainment companies. Also this week, Doug McLean examines Google's search results page makeover, Adam relays the news that Apple has acknowledged iPad Wi-Fi problems, and Glenn Fleishman shares details about how our TidBITS Commenting System avoids the sort of problems that have afflicted other comment systems. Notable software releases this week include Waveboard 1.0, ShareTool 2.0, and Keyboard Maestro 4.3.